Systems, Devices, And Methods For Identifying Portions Of A Wound Filler Left At A Tissue Site

ABSTRACT

Methods for treating a wound include positioning a wound filler having a coating agent containing a fluorescent material proximate the wound. The wound filler is removed after a time period. The wound is then scanned using a fluorescence scanner to determine whether a portion of the wound filler remains at the wound. In response to the portion of the wound filler remaining at the wound, the portion of the wound filler is removed. Other methods and systems are presented.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/932,773, filed Nov. 4, 2015, entitled “Systems, Devices, and Methodsfor Identifying Portions of a Wound Filler Left at a Tissue Site,” whichis a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/679,937, filedNov. 16, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,204,801, entitled “Systems, Devices,and Methods for Identifying Portions of a Wound Filler Left at a TissueSite,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/562,270 filed Nov. 21, 2011, entitled “Systems, Devices, and Methodsfor Identifying Portions of a Wound Filler Left at a Tissue Site,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to medical treatment systemsand, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems,methods, and apparatuses for treating a tissue site with reducedpressure involving identifying portions of a wound filler left at atissue site.

Description of Related Art

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a reducedpressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates thegrowth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of thisphenomenon are numerous, but application of reduced pressure has beenparticularly successful in treating wounds. This treatment (frequentlyreferred to in the medical community as “negative pressure woundtherapy,” “reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides anumber of benefits, which may include faster healing and increasedformulation of granulation tissue. Typically, reduced pressure isapplied to tissue through a manifold device, or wound filler, such as aporous pad. The porous pad contains cells or pores that distributereduced pressure to the tissue and channel fluids that are drawn fromthe tissue.

SUMMARY

According to an illustrative embodiment, a method for treating a woundincludes positioning a wound filler having a coating agent containing afluorescent marker proximate the wound. The wound filler is removedafter a time period. The wound is then scanned using a fluorescencescanner to determine whether a portion of the wound filler remains atthe wound. In response to the portion of the wound filler remaining atthe wound, the portion of the wound filler is removed.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a method of treating atissue site on a patient with reduced pressure includes deploying amanifold treated with a fluorescent dye proximate the tissue site. Themanifold and a portion of intact epidermis of the patient is coveredwith a sealing member to form a sealed space in which the manifold isdisposed. The sealing member has a first side and a second,tissue-facing side. A reduced pressure interface is fluidly coupled tothe first side of the sealing member, wherein the reduced pressureinterface is in fluid communication with the manifold and the tissuesite. A reduced pressure source is fluidly coupled to the reducedpressure interface and reduced pressure is applied to the manifold. Themanifold is removed after a predetermined time period. The tissue siteis then scanned using a fluorescence scanner to determine whether aportion of the manifold remains at the tissue site. In response to theportion of the manifold remaining at the tissue site the portion of themanifold is removed.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for treating awound includes positioning a wound filler having a coating agentcontaining fluorescent markers proximate the wound. The wound filler isremoved after a time period. The wound is then scanned using a firstmode of a fluorescence scanner to determine whether a portion of thewound filler remains at the wound. Responsive to an indication from thefluorescence scanner that the portion of the wound filler remains at thewound, the wound is scanned using a second mode of the fluorescencescanner. The portion of the wound filler is removed.

According to still another illustrative embodiment, a dressing forproviding an indication when a portion of a dressing body has been leftat a tissue site includes the dressing body comprising a reticulatedfoam for distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site. A fluorescentmarker is attached to the dressing body such that the fluorescent markerprovides an indication that the portion of the dressing body has beenleft at the tissue site when a fluorescence scanner is applied to thefluorescent marker.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a fluorescence scanner foridentifying a portion of a wound filler left at a tissue site includes apulsing mode causing the fluorescence scanner to emit a pulsing lightand a continuous mode causing the fluorescence scanner to emit acontinuous light. The pulsing light is brighter than the continuouslight.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a system for identifying aportion of a wound filler left at a tissue site includes a scanner andthe wound filler treated with a coating agent. The coating agent isoperable to provide a visual indication when subjected to the scanner.The visual indication shows a location of the portion of the woundfiller in the tissue site.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a system for identifying aportion of a wound filler left at a tissue site includes a scannerconfigured to emit light having a first wavelength. The wound filler istreated with a coating agent that is operable to absorb light from thescanner and consequently emit light having a second wavelength differentfrom the first wavelength. The system further includes a receiver unitconnected to the scanner for detecting light emitted by the coatingagent, and a controller connected to the scanner and the receiver unitfor managing the scanner and the receiver unit based on scanner settingsand a feedback from the receiver unit. The system also includes anindicator connected to the controller that is operable to provide avisual or audio indication when the receiver unit detects the lightemitted by the coating agent.

According to yet another illustrative embodiment, a reduced pressuretreatment system for treating a tissue site with reduced pressureincludes a fluorescence scanner and a wound filler treated with acoating agent. The coating agent is operable to provide a visualindication when subjected to the fluorescence scanner. The systemfurther includes a sealing member for forming a fluid seal over thewound filler and a reduced-pressure source for at least temporarilyfluidly coupling to the wound filler.

Other features and advantages of the illustrative embodiments willbecome apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed descriptionthat follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of asystem for identifying residual portions of a wound filler left at atissue site;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of areduced pressure treatment system using the wound filler of FIG. 1 fortreating a tissue site with reduced pressure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wound filler of FIG. 1 showing aportion of the wound filler with tissue in-growth;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the wound filler withtissue in-growth of FIG. 3 left at the tissue site after the woundfiller has been removed;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a woundfiller; and

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view (with a portion in perspective view) ofanother illustrative embodiment of a system for identifying residualportions of a wound filler left at a tissue site.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof.These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that logical, structural,mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail notnecessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodimentsdescribed herein, the description may omit certain information known tothose skilled in the art. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of theillustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended claims. Unlessotherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutualexclusivity.

Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, asystem 100 is presented for identifying one or more residual portions102 of a wound filler 104 that may be left at a tissue site 106. Theresidual portions 102 of the wound filler 104 may be left subsequent toexposing the tissue site 106 to the wound filler 104 and then removingthe wound filler 104 from the tissue site 106. The system 100 includesthe wound filler 104 treated with a coating agent 108 containing markers110. The system 100 further includes a scanner 112 for causing themarkers 110 to become visible to a healthcare provider.

The wound filler 104, alternatively described as a dressing body, isplaced proximate the tissue site 106 as part of a process for treatingthe tissue site 106. As will be described in more detail below, oneprocess for treating the tissue site 106 may include applying reducedpressure to the tissue site 106 using a reduced pressure treatmentsystem. Should the tissue site 106 be exposed to the wound filler 104for too long of a time, or should other conditions be present, thetissue site 106 may begin to assimilate the wound filler 104, resultingin the wound filler 104 having tissue in-growth 114. In the event thewound filler 104 has the tissue in-growth 114, the wound filler 104 maytear when the wound filler 104 is removed from the tissue site 106,leaving behind the one or more residual portions 102 of the wound filler104. Without aid, the one or more residual portions 102 of the woundfiller 104 may not be readily visible to the human eye as the one ormore residual portions 102 may be concealed by the tissue in-growth 114.Should the one or more residual portions 102 of the wound filler 104 beleft in the tissue site 106, the one or more residual portions 102 maycause infection. The system 100 provides a means for identifying the oneor more residual portions 102 of the wound filler 104 left in the tissuesite 106 using the scanner 112 to excite the markers 110, attached tothe one or more residual portions 102 of the wound filler 104, intoproducing light visible to a healthcare provider.

The system 100 may be used with various different types of tissue sites106. The tissue site 106 may be a wound or wound cavity. As shown in atleast FIGS. 1-4, the tissue site 106, may be through an epidermis 118and into a subcutaneous tissue or any other tissue. The tissue site 106may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other organism,including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, dermal tissue,vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bodycavity or any other tissue.

The system 100 includes the wound filler 104 treated with the coatingagent 108 containing the markers 110. The wound filler 104 is abiocompatible material that is capable of being placed in contact withthe tissue site 106. Examples of the wound filler 104 may include,without limitation, devices that have structural elements arranged toform flow channels, such as, for example, cellular foam, open-cell foam,porous tissue collections, liquids, gels, and foams that include, orcure to include, flow channels. The wound filler 104 may be porous andmay be made from foam, gauze, felted mat, or any other material suitedto a particular biological application. In one embodiment, the woundfiller 104 is a porous foam and includes a plurality of interconnectedcells or pores that act as flow channels. The porous foam may be apolyurethane, open-cell, reticulated foam such as GranuFoam® materialmanufactured by Kinetic Concepts, Incorporated of San Antonio, Tex. Theporous foam may also be formed with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)substrate.

The markers 110 may be fluorescent markers 148. The fluorescent markers148 may include fluorescent dyes and pigments such as infrared orultraviolet dyes and pigments. In one embodiment, the fluorescentmarkers 148 may be a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) carrier. The fluorescentmarkers 148 emit visible light when the fluorescent markers 148 absorblight or electromagnetic radiation of a different wavelength than theemitted visible light. As used herein, “visible light” refers to lightvisible to the unaided eye of a healthcare provider

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the markers 110 may be embedded orintegrated throughout the wound filler 104 as indicated in FIGS. 1-4.The coating agent 108 may be applied during the formation of the woundfiller 104 such that the markers 110 form an integral part of the woundfiller 104. In one embodiment, the markers 110 are grafted into thewound filler 104. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the markers 110 mayonly extend a certain depth, D, into the wound filler 104 from a surface146 of the wound filler 104. In an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment, the markers 110 may extend to a depth of approximately 5 mmfrom the surface 146. The depth to which the markers 110 extend maydepend on the type of fluorescent markers 148 used, e.g., infraredversus ultraviolet dyes, and the process used for applying the markers110 to the wound filler 104. For example, the coating agent 108 may beadapted such that the coating agent 108 is applied to the surface 146 byprocess of dip coating or spray coating. In one embodiment, the coatingagent 108 is applied through a plasma coating process. For example, thecoating agent 108 may be a liquid that is sprayed onto the wound filler104. Alternatively, the coating agent 108 may be a liquid that the woundfiller 104 is immersed in for a time. The wound filler 104 may be driedor excess liquid may be removed from wound filler 104 after the coatingagent 108 has been applied to the wound filler 104. For example, excessliquid may be removed by squeezing or compressing the wound filler 104.In one embodiment, the coating agent 108 is applied to the wound filler104 after the wound filler 104 has been manufactured. Applying thecoating agent 108 to the wound filler 104 which has already beenmanufactured simplifies the manufacturing process of the wound filler104. However, the fluorescent markers 148 may only extend to the depth,D, from the surface 146. A healthcare provider should take note ofwhether the wound filler 104 only has the fluorescent markers 148extending to the depth, D, should the healthcare provider cut the woundfiller 104 for sizing to a particular wound. In one embodiment, thecoating agent 108 may include a lubricant that attaches to the woundfiller 104. The lubricant is adapted to ease the removal of the one ormore residual portions 102 from the tissue site 106 should the one ormore residual portions 102 be left in the tissue site 106. Instead of ahealthcare provider having to cut or debride the tissue site 106 toremove the one or more residual portions 102, the lubricant may insteadallow the healthcare provider to remove the one or more residualportions 102 using tweezers, thereby causing less trauma to the tissuesite 106.

The system 100 further includes the scanner 112 for exciting the markers110. In one example, the scanner 112 may be referred to as afluorescence scanner. The scanner 112 may be a hand held device as shownin FIG. 1. The scanner 112 is light weight and compact such that thescanner 112 is easily handled and moved by a healthcare provider. Thescanner 112 may be applied at a patient's point of treatment. In otherwords, attributes of the scanner 112 may allow the scanner 112 to bebrought to the patient versus the patient needing to be transported to ascanner, e.g., a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. The scanner112 emits light or electromagnetic radiation to excite or activate thefluorescent markers 148 into emitting light in the visual region. Aspreviously described, the fluorescent markers 148 are adapted to emitvisible light when the fluorescent markers 148 absorb radiation of adifferent wavelength than the emitted visible light. Thus, the scanner112 is equipped to emit radiation of a wavelength sufficient to excitethe fluorescent markers 148 into emitting visible light. The visiblelight is a different wavelength than the wavelength being emitted by thescanner 112 and, thus, absorbed by the fluorescent markers 148. In oneembodiment, the scanner 112 is adapted to emit infrared light withwavelengths in a range of about 700 nm to 900 nm. Infrared light withwavelengths in the range of about 700 nm to 900 nm may penetrate tissueup to 5 mm to excite the fluorescent markers 148 into emitting visiblelight perceivable by a health care provider. The scanner 112 may also beconfigured to emit the light with varying degrees of brightness. In onespecific, non-limiting embodiment, the light may be emitted at less than200 lux (lx). In another embodiment, the light may be emitted at greaterthan 600 lx. The depth the scanner 112 penetrates the tissue may dependon the light wavelength, the brightness of the light, and the type oftissue being treated.

The scanner 112 may be configured to have two different modes ofoperation. The first mode may be a pulsing mode. The pulsing mode causesthe scanner 112 to emit a pulsing light. Pulsing the light emitted fromthe scanner 112 may allow the scanner 112 to emit brighter light thanlight that is continuously emitted without damaging the scanner 112.Brighter light requires a greater power draw from the scanner 112.Therefore, pulsing the brighter light only requires short bursts of highpower output rather than a continuous high power output that coulddamage the scanner 112. In one specific, non-limiting embodiment, thelight is pulsed between 0.5 to 2 Hertz (Hz). In another specific,non-limiting embodiment, the light is pulsed around 1 kHz. The light maybe pulsed at a frequency not commonly found in the environment thescanner 112 is operating. To provide context, overhead lights andcomputers typically emit light at 60 Hz and 120 Hz and operate in anenvironment with electromagnetic noise of 60, 120, and 180 Hz. Thepulsing light may have wavelengths in the range of 600 nm to 900 nm. Thepulsing light may also have a brightness of greater than 600 lx.Increasing the brightness of the light emitted from the scanner 112typically correlates to the fluorescent markers 148 absorbing moreenergy. Typically, the more energy the fluorescent markers 148 absorb,the brighter the light the fluorescent markers 148 will emit.

The second mode may be a continuous mode. The continuous mode causes thescanner 112 to emit a continuous light. In one embodiment, thecontinuous mode may cause the scanner 112 to emit the continuous lightat less than 200 lx with a wavelength in the range of 700 nm to 900 nm.The pulsing light emitted in the first, pulsing mode will generally bebrighter and contain more energy than the continuous light. Thefluorescent markers 148 will absorb the continuous light emitted fromthe scanner 112 and, in return, emit a continuous light.

In one embodiment, the tissue site 106 may be scanned using the firstmode of the scanner 112 to narrow down the area in which the residualportions 102 of the wound filler 104 may remain. The scanner 112 maythen be used in the second mode proximate the area in which the residualportions 102 were located using the first mode. The continuous lightemission in the second mode may make it easier for the healthcareprovider to remove the residual portions 102 of the wound filler 104.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a reduced-pressure treatment system 200 used ina process for treating the tissue site 106 with reduced pressure ispresented. The system 200 includes a reduced-pressure dressing 120 fordisposing proximate the tissue site 106. The system 200 also includes areduced-pressure treatment unit 122 fluidly connected to thereduced-pressure dressing 120 through a reduced-pressure deliveryconduit 124 for applying reduced pressure to the tissue site 106. Thereduced-pressure dressing 120 includes the wound filler 104, a sealingmember 126, and a reduced-pressure interface 128.

The term “reduced pressure” as used herein generally refers to apressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site that is beingsubjected to treatment. In most cases, this reduced pressure will beless than the atmospheric pressure at which the patient is located.Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less than a hydrostaticpressure associated with tissue at the tissue site. Unless otherwiseindicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures.References to increases in reduced pressure typically refer to adecrease in absolute pressure, and decreases in reduced pressuretypically refer to an increase in absolute pressure.

When used in the reduced-pressure treatment system 200, the wound filler104 may be described as a manifold. The term “manifold” as used hereingenerally refers to a substance or structure that is provided to assistin applying reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removingfluids from the tissue site 106. In some situations, the manifold mayalso be used to distribute fluids such as medications, antibacterials,growth factors, and various solutions to the tissue site 106. Otherlayers may be included in or on the manifold, such as absorptivematerials, wicking materials, hydrophobic materials, and hydrophilicmaterials.

The wound filler 104 may be covered by the sealing member 126, which mayalso be referred to as a drape. The sealing member 126 forms a sealedspace 132 over the tissue site 106. The sealing member 126 has a firstside 134, and a second, tissue-facing side 136. The sealing member 126may be any material that provides a fluid seal. “Fluid seal,” or “seal,”means a seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired sitegiven the particular reduced-pressure source or subsystem involved. Thesealing member 126 may, for example, be an impermeable orsemi-permeable, elastomeric material.

An attachment device 138 may be used to hold the sealing member 126against a portion of the patient's intact epidermis 140 or anotherlayer, such as a gasket or additional sealing member. The attachmentdevice 138 may take numerous forms. For example, the attachment device138 may be a medically acceptable adhesive, such as a pressure-sensitiveadhesive, that extends about a periphery or all of the sealing member126. The attachment device 138 may also be a sealing ring or otherdevice. The attachment device 138 is disposed on the second,tissue-facing side 136 of the sealing member 126. Before use, theattachment device 138 may be covered by a release liner (not shown).

The reduced-pressure interface 128 may be positioned adjacent to orcoupled to the first side 134 of the sealing member 126 to provide fluidaccess to the wound filler 104. Another attachment device (not shown)similar to the attachment device 138 may be used to hold thereduced-pressure interface 128 against the sealing member 126. Thereduced-pressure delivery conduit 124 fluidly couples thereduced-pressure treatment unit 122 and the reduced-pressure interface128. The reduced-pressure interface 128 allows the reduced pressure tobe delivered to the tissue site 106. While the amount and nature ofreduced pressure applied to a tissue site will typically vary accordingto the application, the reduced pressure will typically be between −5 mmHg (−667 Pa) and −500 mm Hg (−66.7 kPa) and more typically between −75mm Hg (−9.9 kPa) and −300 mm Hg (−39.9 kPa). For example, and not by wayof limitation, the pressure may be −12, −12.5, −13, −14, −14.5, −15,−15.5, −16, −16.5, −17, −17.5, −18, −18.5, −19, −19.5, −20, −20.5, −21,−21.5, −22, −22.5, −23, −23.5, −24, −24.5, −25, −25.5, −26, −26.5 kPa oranother pressure.

The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 124 may be a multi-lumen conduitor a single lumen conduit. It should be understood that thereduced-pressure delivery conduit 124 may be in many forms. Thereduced-pressure delivery conduit 124 transports fluids from thereduced-pressure interface 128 to the reduced-pressure treatment unit122. Liquids or exudates communicated from the wound filler 104 throughthe reduced-pressure delivery conduit 124 are removed from thereduced-pressure delivery conduit 124 and retained within aliquid-collection chamber (not explicitly shown) in fluid communicationwith the reduced-pressure treatment unit 122.

The reduced-pressure treatment unit 122 includes a reduced-pressuresource 142 and an instrumentation unit 144. In one embodiment, thereduced-pressure source 142 is an electrically-driven vacuum pump. Inanother implementation, the reduced-pressure source 142 may instead be amanually-actuated or manually-charged pump that does not requireelectrical power. The reduced-pressure source 142 instead may be anyother type of reduced-pressure pump, or alternatively a wall suctionport such as those available in hospitals and other medical facilities.The instrumentation unit 144 may include sensors, processing units,alarm indicators, memory, databases, software, display units, and userinterfaces that further facilitate the application of reduced-pressuretreatment to the tissue site 106.

In one method of operation, a method for treating the tissue site 106may include positioning the wound filler 104 having the coating agent108 containing the fluorescent markers 148 proximate the tissue site106. After a time period, e.g., after 20 hours or more, the wound filler104 is removed from the tissue site 106. The time period depends on theexpected rate of granulation formation. It is preferred that the woundfiller 104 be removed prior to significant amounts of tissue growinginto the wound filler 104 such that new tissue growth is not torn out ofthe tissue site 106 when the wound filler 104 is removed. In specific,non-limiting examples, the time period may be 12 hours, 20 hours, oneday, two days, five days or more. It should be appreciated, however,that the time period depends on the patient, the type of wound, andwhether reduced pressure therapy is being applied. While reducedpressure therapy may augment or accelerate the growth of new tissue, themethod of operation may be used with or without reduced pressuretherapy.

After the wound filler 104 has been removed, the tissue site 106 isscanned using the scanner 112 to determine whether the one or moreresidual portions 102 of the wound filler 104 remain at the tissue site106. As described above, should the tissue site 106 be exposed to thewound filler 104 for too long of a time, the tissue site 106 may beginto assimilate the wound filler 104, resulting in the wound filler 104having the tissue in-growth 114. In the event the wound filler 104 hasthe tissue in-growth 114, the wound filler 104 may tear when the woundfiller 104 is removed from the tissue site 106, leaving behind the oneor more residual portions 102 of the wound filler 104. The one or moreresidual portions 102 of the wound filler 104 may not be readily visibleto the human eye as the one or more residual portions 102 may beconcealed by the tissue in-growth 114. In an alternative embodiment, thetissue site 106 may be of the nature that the treatment protocol usesseveral wound fillers (not shown). For example, large wounds thatpossess skin flaps or undermining may necessitate several wound fillersand may visually conceal the wound fillers once in place. In the eventseveral wound fillers are placed in the tissue site 106 or the woundfillers are visually concealed by the tissue site 106, it becomes morelikely that one of the wound fillers will be left in the tissue site106.

The healthcare provider positions the scanner 112 over the tissue site106 causing the scanner 112 to emit light in a wavelength that willexcite the fluorescent markers 148 attached to the wound filler 104. Inresponse to the one or more residual portions 102 of the wound filler104 remaining in the tissue site 106 after the wound filler 104 has beenremoved, if any, the fluorescent markers 148 will produce visible lightproviding an indication that the one or more residual portions 102 ofthe wound filler 104 remain in the tissue site 106 and the location ofthe one or more residual portions 102 of the wound filler 104.Responsive to an indication that the one or more residual portions 102of the wound filler 104 remain in the tissue site 106, the one or moreresidual portions 102 are removed from the tissue site 106.

In one embodiment, the wound filler 104 may be sized by the healthcareprovider prior to positioning the wound filler 104 in the tissue site106. The wound filler 104 is sized based on the dimensions of the tissuesite 106. The wound filler 104 may be sized by cutting.

In response to an indication that the tissue site 106 is clear of thewound filler 104, a new wound filler treated with a coating agent (notexplicitly shown), i.e., a second wound filler analogous to the firstwound filler 104, may be placed in the tissue site 106 as determined bytreatment protocol.

In another illustrative method of operation, the method may includetreating the tissue site 106 of a patient with reduced pressure therapy.The wound filler 104 treated with a fluorescent dye is deployedproximate the tissue site 106. The wound filler 104 and a portion ofintact epidermis 140 are covered with the sealing member 126. Thereduced-pressure interface 128 is fluidly coupled to the sealing member126 such that the reduced-pressure interface 128 is in fluidcommunication with the wound filler 104 and the tissue site 106. Thereduced-pressure source 142 is fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressureinterface 128 and reduced pressure is applied to the wound filler 104.After a period of time, the wound filler 104 is removed from the tissuesite 106. Using the scanner 112, the tissue site 106 is scanned todetermine whether a portion of the wound filler 104 remains at thetissue site 106. Responsive to the one or more residual portions 102 ofthe wound filler 104 remaining at the tissue site 106, the one or moreresidual portions 102 are removed.

In another illustrative method of operation, the method may includepositioning the wound filler 104 having a coating agent 108 containingfluorescent markers 148 proximate the tissue site 106. The wound filler104 is removed after a time period. The tissue site 106 is scanned usingthe first mode of the scanner 112 to determine whether the residualportion 102 of the wound filler 104 remains at the tissue site 106. Thefirst mode may emit a light greater than 600 lx and may be a pulsingmode. Responsive to a visual indication that the residual portion 102 ofthe wound filler 104 remains at the tissue site 106, the tissue site 106is scanned using the second mode of the scanner 112. The second mode mayemit a light less than 200 lx and may be a continuous mode. The residualportion 102 of the wound filler 104 is removed by a health careprovider.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 6, a system 300 is presented foridentifying one or more residual portions, e.g., residual portions 102(FIG. 2) of a wound filler 204 that may be left at a tissue site 206.The system 300 is analogous in most respects to the system 100 of FIGS.1-4, and accordingly, some parts are labeled with numerals indexed by200 but not further described here. Among the differences, however,scanner 212 of system 300 includes additional features over the scanner112 of system 100.

The system 300 includes the wound filler 204 treated with a coatingagent 208 containing markers 210. The scanner 212 is operable to excitethe markers 210 so that the markers 210 are detectable by a healthcareprovider. The wound filler 204 is placed proximate the tissue site 206as part of a process for treating the tissue site 206. One process fortreating the tissue site 206 may include applying reduced pressure tothe tissue site 206 using a reduced pressure treatment system such asreduced pressure treatment system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. When usinga reduced pressure treatment system, the wound filler 204 may also be amanifold to manifold reduced pressure to the tissue site 206.

The system 200 may be used with various different types of tissue sites206. The tissue site 206 may be a wound or wound cavity. The tissue site206 may be through an epidermis 218 and into a subcutaneous tissue orany other tissue.

As previously mentioned, the wound filler 204 is treated with thecoating agent 208 containing the markers 210. The markers 210 may befluorescent markers 248 that may be embedded or integrated throughoutthe wound filler 204. Additionally, the markers 210 may only extend acertain depth into the wound filler 204 from a surface 246 of the woundfiller 204.

The scanner 212 may be a hand held device that is light weight andcompact such that the scanner 212 is easily handled and moved by ahealthcare provider. In one embodiment, the scanner 212 may be referredto as a fluorescence scanner. The scanner 212 emits light orelectromagnetic radiation to excite or activate the fluorescent markers248 into emitting light.

The scanner 212 includes, or may be connected to, a controller 256 and areceiver unit 250. The receiver unit 250 is configured to detect thelight emitted by the excited or activated fluorescent markers 248. Thereceiver unit 250 includes a photodetector 252 for detecting the lightemitted by the fluorescent markers 248 and an analog-to-digitalconverter 254 connected to the photodetector 252. The analog-to-digitalconverter 254 is in communication with the controller 256. In oneembodiment, the receiver unit 250 and the controller 256 may be locatedon or within the scanner 212. The controller 256 synchronizes thescanner 212 and the receiver unit 250. The scanner 212 is timed to emitlight at a certain frequency, and the controller 256 ensures that thereceiver unit 250 is synchronized with the timing and frequency of thelight emitted by the scanner 212. The controller 250 is configured tosynchronize the scanner 212 and the receiver unit 250 in real time. Thescanner 212 further includes, or is connected to, an indicator 258 thatis in communication with the receiver unit 250. The indicator 258 mayprovide an audio or visual indication, detectable by a healthcareprovider, when light from the fluorescent markers 248 is detected by thereceiver unit 250.

Similar to the scanner 112, the scanner 212 may be configured to havetwo different modes of operation. The first mode may be a pulsing mode.The pulsing mode causes the scanner 212 to emit a pulsing light. Pulsingthe light emitted from the scanner 212 may allow the scanner 212 to emitbrighter light than light that is continuously emitted without damagingthe scanner 212. In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the lightis pulsed between about 0.5 to 2 Hertz (Hz). In another illustrative,non-limiting embodiment, the light is pulsed at about 1 kHz. The lightis pulsed at a frequency not commonly found in the environment thescanner 212 is operating to provide a contrast between environmentallight frequencies and the light frequencies emitted by the activatedfluorescent markers 248. To provide context, overhead lights andcomputer screens may commonly emit light with a frequency of 60 Hz, 120Hz, and 180 Hz.

Increasing the brightness of the light emitted from the scanner 212typically correlates to the fluorescent markers 248 absorbing moreenergy. Typically, the more energy the fluorescent markers 248 absorb,the brighter the light the fluorescent markers 248 will emit. While thelight emitted from the fluorescent markers 248 will typically bebrighter when subjected to the pulsing light, the pulsing light emittedfrom the fluorescent markers 248 may be difficult to detect by the humaneye due to the pulsing nature of the light. The scanner 212 maytherefore be equipped with the receiver unit 250 configured to detectthe light emitted from the fluorescent markers 248.

The sensitivity of the receiver unit 250 may be adjustable to include orexclude certain sizes or concentrations of the fluorescent markers 248based on the light emitted by the fluorescent markers 248. Thesensitivity of the receiver unit 250 may be adjusted so that certainsizes or concentrations of the fluorescent markers 248 below a thresholdlevel may be ignored. In some instances, it may be more harmful toattempt to remove fluorescent markers 248, which may or may not beattached to the residual portions 202 of the wound filler 204, than toleave the fluorescent markers 248 in place. For example, if thefluorescent marker 248 is no longer attached to the residual portion 202of the wound filler 204 or the residual portion 202 is minute, then itcould cause more harm than good to disturb the tissue site 206.Additionally, the sensitivity of the receiver unit 250 may be adjustableto exclude certain light frequencies based on the light frequencyemitted by the scanner 112.

The second mode may be a continuous mode. The continuous mode causes thescanner 212 to emit a continuous light. In one embodiment, thecontinuous mode may cause the scanner 212 to emit the continuous lightat less than 200 lx with a wavelength in the range of 700 nm to 900 nm.The pulsing light emitted in the first, pulsing mode will generally bebrighter and contain more energy than the continuous light. Thefluorescent markers 248 will absorb the continuous light emitted fromthe scanner 212 and, in return, emit a continuous light. The continuouslight emitted from the fluorescent markers 248 may be easier for a heathcare provider to see.

In one embodiment, the scanner 212 is adapted to excite the markers 210to emit light in the non-visual range. The scanner 212 is adapted todetect the light emitted from the markers 210 and emit an audible orvisual indication that the tissue site 206 contains the one or moreresidual portions 202 of the wound filler 204. The receiver unit 250 maydetect light emitted from the markers 210, and the indicator 258 mayemit an audible or visual indication that the tissue site 206 containsone or more residual portions 202 of the wound filler 204.

While various light sources are referenced herein to make itemsfluoresce, it should be understood that a range of light waves may beused. Infrared is one way. Blue or green lights are others. Still othercolored light may be used.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed inthe context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, andalterations can be made without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated thatany feature that is described in connection to any one embodiment mayalso be applicable to any other embodiment.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described abovemay relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. Itwill further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one ormore of those items.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in anysuitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.

Where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may becombined with aspects of any of the other examples described to formfurther examples having comparable or different properties andaddressing the same or different problems.

It will be understood that the above description of preferredembodiments is given by way of example only and that variousmodifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The abovespecification, examples and data provide a complete description of thestructure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Althoughvarious embodiments of the invention have been described above with acertain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or moreindividual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerousalterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from thescope of the claims.

1.-23. (canceled)
 24. A method for treating a wound, the methodcomprising: positioning a wound filler having a coating agent containingfluorescent markers proximate the wound; removing the wound filler aftera time period; scanning the wound using a first mode of a fluorescencescanner to determine whether a portion of the wound filler remains atthe wound; and responsive to an indication from the fluorescence scannerthat the portion of the wound filler remains at the wound, scanning thewound using a second mode of the fluorescence scanner; and removing theportion of the wound filler.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein: thefluorescence scanner emits a light; the first mode causes thefluorescence scanner to emit the light at a first illumination level;the second mode causes the fluorescence scanner to emit the light at asecond illumination level; and the first illumination level is greaterthan the second illumination level.
 26. The method of claim 24, whereinthe first mode causes the fluorescence scanner to emit the light atgreater than 600 lx and the second mode causes the fluorescence scannerto emit the light at less than 200 lx.
 27. The method of claim 24,wherein the indication from the fluorescence scanner that the portion ofthe wound filler remains at the wound is a visual or audio indication.28. The method of claim 24, wherein: the first mode is a pulsing modethat causes the fluorescence scanner to emit a pulsing light; and thesecond mode is a continuous mode that causes the fluorescence scanner toemit a continuous light.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the pulsinglight has a greater energy level than the continuous light.
 30. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the pulsing mode causes the fluorescencescanner to emit the pulsing light between 0.5 to 2 Hz.
 31. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the pulsing mode causes the fluorescence scanner toemit the pulsing light at 1 Hz.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein thepulsing mode causes the fluorescence scanner to emit the pulsing lightat 1 kHz.
 33. The method of claim 28, wherein the pulsing mode causesthe fluorescence scanner to emit the pulsing light at greater than 600lx and the second mode causes the fluorescence scanner to emit thecontinuous light at less than 200 lx.
 34. A dressing for providing anindication when a portion of a dressing body has been left at a tissuesite, the dressing comprising: the dressing body comprising areticulated foam for distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site;and fluorescent markers attached to the dressing body, the fluorescentmarkers for providing the indication that the portion of the dressingbody has been left at the tissue site when a fluorescence scanner isapplied to the fluorescent markers.
 35. The dressing of claim 34,wherein the fluorescence scanner emits a light causing the fluorescentmarkers to fluoresce, and wherein the indication is the fluorescentmarkers fluorescing.
 36. The dressing of claim 34, wherein thefluorescent markers are integrated throughout the dressing body.
 37. Thedressing of claim 34, wherein the fluorescent markers are attached to asurface of the dressing body.
 38. The dressing of claim 34, wherein thefluorescent markers are formed from an ultraviolet dye.
 39. The dressingof claim 34, wherein the fluorescent markers are formed from an infrareddye.
 40. The dressing of claim 39, wherein the fluorescence scanneremits infrared light with wavelengths in a range of about 700 nm to 900nm.
 41. The dressing of claim 34, wherein the dressing body comprises apolyvinyl alcohol.
 42. A fluorescence scanner for identifying a portionof a wound filler left at a tissue site, the fluorescence scannercomprising: a pulsing mode causing the fluorescence scanner to emit apulsing light; a continuous mode causing the fluorescence scanner toemit a continuous light; and wherein the pulsing light is brighter thanthe continuous light.
 43. The fluorescence scanner of claim 42, whereinthe pulsing mode causes the fluorescence scanner to emit the pulsinglight at greater than 600 lx and the second mode causes the fluorescencescanner to emit the continuous light at less than 200 lx.
 44. Thefluorescence scanner of claim 42, wherein the pulsing mode causes thefluorescence scanner to emit the pulsing light between 0.5 to 2 Hz. 45.The fluorescence scanner of claim 42, wherein the pulsing mode causesthe fluorescence scanner to emit the pulsing light at 1 Hz.
 46. Thefluorescence scanner of claim 42, wherein the pulsing mode causes thefluorescence scanner to emit the pulsing light at 1 kHz.
 47. Thefluorescence scanner of claim 42, further comprising a wound fillerindicator for indicating whether a portion of the wound filler remainsat the tissue site.
 48. The fluorescence scanner of claim 47, whereinthe indicator is an audio or visual indicator.
 49. The fluorescencescanner of claim 42, further comprising a receiver unit for detecting alight from a fluorescent marker.
 50. The fluorescence scanner of claim49, further comprising a photodetector and an analog-to-digitalconverter.
 51. The fluorescence scanner of claim 42, further comprisinga controller.
 52. The fluorescence scanner of claim 42 furthercomprising: a receiver unit for detecting a light from a fluorescentmarker, the receiver unit having a photodetector and ananalog-to-digital converter; a controller connected to the receiver unitto synchronize the fluorescence scanner and the receiver unit; and awound filler indicator connected to the controller, the wound fillerindicator operable to provide an audio or visual indication when thereceiver unit detects the light from the fluorescent marker.
 53. Thefluorescence scanner of claim 42, wherein the controller synchronizesthe receiver unit with the fluorescence scanner.
 54. A system foridentifying a portion of a wound filler left at a tissue site, thesystem comprising: a scanner; and the wound filler treated with acoating agent, wherein the coating agent is operable to provide a visualindication when subjected to the scanner; wherein the visual indicationshows a location of the portion of the wound filler in the tissue site.55. The system of claim 54, wherein the wound filler is a manifoldadapted to distribute a reduced pressure to the tissue site.
 56. Thesystem of claim 54, wherein the coating agent is an ultraviolet dye andthe scanner is an ultraviolet scanner.
 57. The system of claim 54,wherein the coating agent is an infrared dye and the scanner is aninfrared scanner.
 58. The system of claim 54, wherein the coating agentis applied to a surface of the wound filler.
 59. The system of claim 54,wherein the coating agent is at least partially embedded within thewound filler.
 60. The system of claim 54, wherein the scanner furthercomprises: a receiver unit for detecting the visual indication from thecoating agent; and a controller for synchronizing the receiver unit withthe scanner. 61.-69. (canceled)
 70. A reduced-pressure treatment systemfor treating a tissues site with reduced pressure, the systemcomprising: a fluorescence scanner; a wound filler treated with acoating agent, wherein the coating agent is operable to provide a visualindication when subjected to the fluorescence scanner; a sealing memberfor forming a fluid seal over the wound filler; and a reduced-pressuresource for at least temporarily fluidly coupling to the wound filler.71. (canceled)